Quell Therapeutics Names Luke Beshar as Independent Board Chair

London, UK – July 10, 2024 – Quell Therapeutics, a pioneering company in the development of engineered T-regulatory (Treg) cell therapies for immune-driven medical conditions, has named Luke Beshar as the new Independent Chair of its Board of Directors. Beshar takes over from Martin Murphy, the founding Chair of Quell.

Luke Beshar is a veteran in the biopharmaceutical sector, boasting over 35 years of strategic development and financial expertise. His career includes significant roles in both public and private companies. Currently, he holds the position of Chair at Protara Therapeutics, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed immune-oncology firm, and at Inotrem S.A., a clinical-stage company focusing on immunotherapies for inflammatory conditions. 

Beshar's previous roles include serving as Non-executive Director (NED) and Chair of the Audit Committee at Omega Therapeutics, Inc., a company innovating in mRNA-encoded therapeutics. He also served as NED and Chair of the Compensation and Audit Committees at Trillium Therapeutics, Inc., an immune-oncology company acquired by Pfizer in 2021, and NED and Chair of the Audit Committee at gene therapy company REGENXBIO, Inc., from its pre-IPO phase in 2015 until 2021. Additionally, Beshar was the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which was acquired by Shire plc (now part of Takeda) in 2015, and EVP and CFO of Cambrex Corporation from 2002 to 2007.

Iain McGill, CEO of Quell, expressed his excitement about Beshar's appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Luke to our Board at this important time for Quell, as we advance the LIBERATE Phase 1/2 trial with QEL-001, a potentially transformational therapy for liver transplant patients, and further explore the potential of multi-modular CAR-Treg cell therapy in major immune disorders. Luke’s extensive experience and expertise in the biopharma industry will be crucial as we execute our strategy to build a truly world-class company.”

Luke Beshar also shared his enthusiasm: “Quell is making huge strides pioneering a new paradigm in cell therapy for immune-related disorders; one that has the potential to make a significant and highly positive impact on patients’ lives. I am honored to join the Company at such an exciting time and look forward to working with the Board and talented team to help deliver on the huge potential of Treg cell therapy.”

Beshar holds a B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance from Michigan State University, is a graduate of The Executive Program at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Quell Therapeutics is at the forefront of developing engineered Treg cell therapies, aiming to harness their immune-suppressive properties to treat serious immune-related medical conditions. The company utilizes its innovative Foxp3 Phenotype Lock™ technology and multi-modular platform to create a pipeline of advanced Treg cell therapies offering enhanced persistence, potency, and stability.

The company’s lead candidate, QEL-001, is designed to promote operational tolerance post-liver transplantation, potentially eliminating the need for chronic immunosuppressive medication. Quell Therapeutics is also progressing with other programs targeting neuroinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, working internally and in collaboration with AstraZeneca.

How to obtain the latest research advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals?

In the Synapse database, you can keep abreast of the latest research and development advances in drugs, targets, indications, organizations, etc., anywhere and anytime, on a daily or weekly basis. Click on the image below to embark on a brand new journey of drug discovery!